This post is sponsored by Jet2 Holidays.
Relax and unwind on a package holiday to Malta with Jet2holidays. Fly from a choice of nine UK airports and choose from a range of accommodation options from B&B, to full-board and all-inclusive, with adults-only and family-friendly choices available.
A balmy Mediterranean archipelago comprising mainland Malta and its smaller sister islands, Gozo and Comino, the Maltese islands boast shimmering azure shores, and secluded coves surrounded by golden sands; rugged natural landscapes, and green patchwork fields guarded by prickly pear cacti; and honey-hued limestone buildings with eye-popping, elaborate entrances.
Travelling across the Maltese islands, ancient towns dotted with Baroque churches; Gothic temples; and no less than three UNESCO World Heritage Sites tell the tale of Malta’s 7,000-year-old history, shaped by Phoenician, Carthaginian, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, Sicilian, Spanish, French and, finally, British rule.
With Jet2holidays’ package holidays to Malta, you can take the hassle out of booking a getaway to Malta. Relax in the knowledge that your entire holiday experience is being taken care of, right through from your flights, to your airport transfers, your hotel, and your food and drink (dependent on board basis).
Last month, Jet2holidays kindly invited me to review their package holiday offering on a seven-night stay in Malta, flying from Bristol Airport. Read on to hear what I made of the experience.
What part of Malta is best to stay?
Booking a package holiday to Malta with Jet2holidays gives you access to a selection of excellent accommodation options across Malta and Gozo, ranging from boutique adults-only hotels to family-friendly five-star resorts.
Some of the most popular places to stay in Malta include the capital city of Valletta and Sliema, famous for its many restaurants, bars and shops. Similarly, St. Paul’s Bay is popular for its bustling promenade, lined with different eateries and bars. For those in search of sun, sea and sand, Mellieħa Bay is an excellent option. Alternatively, some prefer to stay on the island of Gozo for a slower pace of life, away from the hustle and bustle of mainland Malta. Ultimately, there are many different towns in Malta which could make for an enjoyable place to stay, depending on what kind of holiday you’re looking for.
Seaview Hotel in St Paul’s Bay (San Pawl il-Baħar), Malta
Staying at four-star, adults-only Jet2holidays Seaview Hotel in St. Paul’s Bay (known locally as San Pawl il-Baħar), we had access to a range of plush amenities including an indoor swimming pool (more akin to a giant jacuzzi!) and spa; rooftop infinity pool; monsoon showers; and a well-stocked bar.
Staying on a B&B basis, we tucked into a cooked or continental breakfast buffet in the the hotel restaurant every morning. While our stay didn’t include lunch or dinner, we were welcome to dine in the hotel restaurant or order room service for an additional fee. However, we relished the opportunity to eat out at nearby restaurants and sample the local cuisine for lunch and dinner.
Thankfully, the Islet Promenade running alongside Seaview Hotel is crammed with restaurants serving everything from traditional Maltese food to Italian, Turkish, Greek, British, Japanese, Chinese, Indian and Nepalese cuisine. Our top places to eat locally include Turkish steakhouse, Tava Terrace; seafood, pasta and pizza restaurant, Bayside; and Vinnie’s Italian.
The St. Paul’s area also offers a lively nightlife scene, with Bugibba Square popular among those looking to enjoy a drink or two after-dark. We ended up on first-name terms with the bartenders at at Nine Lives cocktail bar, just a stone’s throw away from the hotel.
What is the best time of year to go to Malta?
For sun-seeking holidaymakers, the best time of the year to visit Malta is from June until September, when you can expect hotter temperatures and minimal rainfall. July is the hottest month of the year, with average daily temperatures of around 32C.
Meanwhile, January is the coldest month of the year, with an average maximum daily temperature of 15C, and lows of around 9C.
How many days in Malta is enough?
If you’re short on time, you could see Malta in as little as four days, if you’re prepared to follow a busy itinerary. However, if you’re keen to explore the island at a gentler pace, allow yourself at least a week.
Allow Malta is one of the smallest countries in the world, there’s plenty to see and do here. So, if you’ll be staying for a couple of weeks or more, it’s unlikely you’ll run out of things to do and see. You can always catch the ferry over to Gozo and spend some time exploring Malta’s sister island, if you get bored of mainland Malta.
Is Malta cheap or expensive?
Compared to some European counties, Malta is fairly cheap. On average, the cost of living is 36% cheaper than that of the UK, and 29% cheaper than the US.
However, some items cost more to buy in Malta than they do elsewhere, including specialty and imported food and drink produce. Some supermarkets tend are noticeably more expensive than their UK equivalents.
What to see and do on a package holiday in Malta
With a rich culture and history dating back to 5,000BC and shaped by rule under several different empires, Malta offers a varied range of local landmarks and activities to entertain tourists.
One of the best ways to see Malta’s must-see sights and landmarks, is to catch an open-top sight-seeing bus tour, such as those run by Hop On Hop Off. Catch the bus early in the morning and spend the day exploring the island, hopping on and off whenever you reach a destination you’re keen to explore on foot. However, as Malta is well-connected by public transport, you can also travel around the island by bus (although there is no Metro service or tramway), or download the Bolt app for affordable taxis on-the-go.
Here are some of the sight-seeing highlights of our week in Malta (although this is by no means an exhaustive list of what to see and do in the islands!)
Mdina and Rabat
Perched atop one of Malta’s highest hills in Malta, keeping watch over the north of the island, the fortified city of Mdina was the original capital of Malta from antiquity, to the medieval period. Once known by its Italian names, ‘Città Vecchia’ [‘Old City’] and ‘Città Notabile’ [“The Noble City”] the city has traditionally housed Malta’s nobility and aristocratic families.
Embraced by ancient stone walls, graced with grand palaces, and connected by a labyrinth of winding alleys, Mdina is also known as the ‘Silent City’. By night, the city glows by lamp-light. With a history spanning over 4,000 years, the city famously housed Apostle St Paul in 60 A.D., who lived in the Fuori le Mura grotta just outside the city walls in neighbouring Rabat, after becoming shipwrecked in Malta.
Like Mdina, Rabat played an important role in shaping Malta’s culture and heritage. Once part of the Roman city of Melita, the area comprises several significant historical sites and relics including The Roman Villa (Domus Romana), St Paul’s Catacombs, and numerous fine churches and monasteries. You might recognise St. Dominic’s Convent from American TV series Game of Thrones, several scenes from which were filmed in Malta and Gozo.
Valletta
Wandering through the narrow, never-ending streets of Malta’s capital city, Valletta, it’s no surprise hat it’s one of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malta. Founded by the Knights of St. John in 1566, Valetta’s streets are lined with classic cars, elegant churches, and elaborate high-rise townhouses awash with old-world charm.
For foodies, a trip to Valletta Food Court or Is-Suq tal-Belt (meaning ‘The Covered Market) is a must. Modelled on Spain’s iconic ‘il mercado de San Miguel’, this lovingly restored 19th century market offers different street food traders serving everything from traditional Maltese food to Mexican cuisine, three restaurants, and an artisan food market. Afterwards, treat yourself to a round in The Pub. Named the fifth most legendary pub in the world, this was where actor, Oliver Reed downed his very last drink before collapsing and passing away.
Don’t miss out on a visit to St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Completed in 1577 in dedication to Saint John the Baptist, this architectural masterpiece is adorned with intricate Baroque artwork and relics, with breath-taking vaulted ceilings decorated by the well-known Italian Baroque artist, Mattia Preti. The Co-Cathedral also houses artist Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio’s best-known work, ‘The Beheading of St John the Baptist’ (1608)’.
And, if you’re keen to discover more about Valletta’s wartime history, pay a visit to Fort St. Elmo and the National War Museum.
Meanwhile, nature enthusiasts will enjoy wandering through the picturesque Upper Barakka Gardens. After admiring the flowers, marvel at the jaw-dropping views of Grand Harbour, and the cannon-lined Saluting Battery below.
Valletta is easily accessible by bus from anywhere in Malta. If travelling from Gozo, consider catching the Fast Ferry from Mgarr Harbour, which takes just 45 minutes and costs €7.50.
Comino
Malta’s little sister, Comino is a tiny, rugged islet island located between mainland Malta and Gozo, largely uninhabited aside for a few residents. Named after the cumin plant which grows on the island, Comino is synonymous with its aquamarine Blue Lagoon.
Peering into these crystalline waters is just like gazing into a goldfish bowl, or an aquarium; it’s incredibly easy to catch a glimpse of the aquatic world underneath.
A top spot for snorkelling, swimming and diving, Comino is a must for any water sports enthusiasts. However, hiking and rambling is also popular here, with notable landmarks including Saint Mary’s Tower, The Battery of Santa Maria, and the Chapel of Our Lady’s Return from Egypt. Pack a decent pair of walking shoes and/or hiking sticks (the terrain is extremely rocky and uneven) and allow around 3-4 hours to complete a loop of the island.
You can reach Comino by ferry from Ċirkewwa in Malta, or from Mgarr Harbour in Gozo with Comino Ferries Co-Op (€15 round trip). Alternatively, book a tour with Jet2holidays or a local tour provider.
Gozo
No holiday to Malta is complete until you’ve paid a visit to its smaller sister island, Gozo.
Book a Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing tour and admire Gozo by bus, or hire a car to fully explore what this sleepy little island has to offer. The public bus service is well-connected across the island.
Alternatively, for a more adventurous approach, travel by tuk tuk or quad bike with Gozo’s leading tour operator, Yippee Malta. Tour highlights include the Church of St John the Baptist in Xewkija; the rugged, limestone Sanap Cliffs in Munxar; a natural spring (‘Ghajn tal-Hasselin’) in Fontana where locals still wash clothes to this day; the 350-year-old Salt Pans in Xwejni, just north of Marsalforn; the old Citadel in Victoria; and beautiful Ramla Bay, Gozo’s only golden sand beach. Prices start from €79 for adults.
If, like me, you travel with food in mind, don’t miss out on the opportunity to eat at some of the best restaurants in Gozo during your time here.
Sail to Gozo from Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal with the Gozo Channel Line ferry for €4.65 (based on a single passenger-only fare), or take the Fast Ferry from Valletta for just €7.50. If you’ll be travelling to Comino by ferry, you’ll have the option to sail on to Gozo afterwards, for the same price. Later, return to Malta on the Gozo Channel Line ferry service from Mġarr Harbour, which runs 24 hours a day.
Flying with Jet.com on a package holiday to Malta
Travelling from Bristol Airport with Jet.com, you can fly to Malta International Airport in Luqa every Monday and Thursday, with return flights available on the same days of the week. The average flight time is 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Flying on Jet2’s sleek fleet of Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A321, you can look forward to a swift check-in process (with online and airport check-in available); complimentary 10kg cabin baggage allowance; 22kg hold baggage allowance (included as standard for Jet2holidays customers and available for an additional supplement for flight-only deals); friendly, professional cabin crew; trendy red mood lighting; convenient flexible drinks holders; reliable text and app flight updates; and a range of hot meals and light snacks available on board, from melted cheese toasties to tapas tasting selections.
When you book a package holiday to Malta with Jet2holidays, your airport transfers will be taken care of too. Simply approach the Jet2holidays team when you reach the Arrivals hall at Malta airport, and a member of staff will direct you to your transfer bus.
Book a package holiday to Malta with Jet2holidays
I had such a fantastic time while on holiday with Jet2holidays in Malta, I extended my trip and escaped to Gozo for a week afterwards. And, if that’s not enough, when I got back home to Wales, it was only a matter of days until I’d ended up booking flights fly back to Gozo (yes, really!) for another week. So, if you’ve been debating booking a holiday to Malta, this is your sign to do it!
Choose from a range of package holidays to Malta with Jet2holidays, including adults only holidays and family-friendly options.
Jet2holidays also offers a number of other holidays from Bristol Airport, alongside packages departing from Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Newcastle, East Midlands, Birmingham, London Stansted, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast.
Keep an eye out for some more blog posts coming up on my time in Gozo soon 🙂
Have you ever been on a package holiday to Malta? Leave a comment to let me know where you stayed, and what you got up to.
This post is sponsored by Jet2 Holidays.
Beautiful photos of Malta ! Makes me want to plan a trip now. I will have to add this to my bucketlist.
Thank you so much! I have some more posts coming up on my time in Gozo and I am hoping to return soon too.